Latest Update on the Unrest in Mahabad, Kurdistan
13:25 - 9 May 2015
Kurdpa: Following last night’s violent confrontation between the security forces and the protesters, the main road leading to Mahabad from Bokan was closed as of 9 pm, local time.
Starting this morning, security forces have started making arrests across the city of Mahabad, Kurdpa has learned.
Further, as of last night, vehicles attempting to travel the route from Bokan to Mahabad have been turned back; however, it was reported that the traffic curfew was lifted as of this morning, local time.
There has been a large presence of various security forces at the main entrances of the involved cities.
Latest News on the Situation in Mahabad
Despite the lack of any media coverage in the city, Kurdpa, through undercover reporters and informants, has been able to obtain the latest on the situation in the city.
As of this morning, the number of injured is reported to be at 23, three of them are in critical condition. One of the injured has been transferred to Orumieh due to his critical condition.
An eye witness informed Kurdpa that one of the injured protesters has lost his eyesight, but Kurdpa could not confirm the report.
Eye witnesses put the number of injuries well above this number as many of them have not sought medical treatment for fear of reprisal from the security agencies.
Arrests Continue
A Kurdpa reporter in Mahabad has told Kurdpa that as early as this morning the security forces have embarked on an arrest and harassment campaign.
Kurdpa has been informed of the identity of several of the detainees whose names will be publicized in the coming reports.
No restrain was exercised in the arrests and there were no warrants issued for their arrests, Kurdpa has learned.
The city is in a state of abnormality; any gathering of more than a few people has been deemed illegal. The events that unfolded yesterday attracted world-wide public and media attention, and authorities are adamant to not have the events repeated.
Mahabad is the fourth largest city in Orumieh (West Azarbijan) province. It was proclaimed the capital city of the short-lived Republic of Kurdistan of 1946.
The city has been considered the hot bed of Kurdish nationalism in Eastern Kurdistan.
In 2005, the city was the scene of another unrest that quickly spread to adjacent cities and lasted for several days, following the brutal murder of a Kurdish activist at the hands of regime’s security agents.
Writing by Kurdpa Staff Writers and editing by Sharmin Hassaniani
Starting this morning, security forces have started making arrests across the city of Mahabad, Kurdpa has learned.
Further, as of last night, vehicles attempting to travel the route from Bokan to Mahabad have been turned back; however, it was reported that the traffic curfew was lifted as of this morning, local time.
There has been a large presence of various security forces at the main entrances of the involved cities.
Latest News on the Situation in Mahabad
Despite the lack of any media coverage in the city, Kurdpa, through undercover reporters and informants, has been able to obtain the latest on the situation in the city.
As of this morning, the number of injured is reported to be at 23, three of them are in critical condition. One of the injured has been transferred to Orumieh due to his critical condition.
An eye witness informed Kurdpa that one of the injured protesters has lost his eyesight, but Kurdpa could not confirm the report.
Eye witnesses put the number of injuries well above this number as many of them have not sought medical treatment for fear of reprisal from the security agencies.
Arrests Continue
A Kurdpa reporter in Mahabad has told Kurdpa that as early as this morning the security forces have embarked on an arrest and harassment campaign.
Kurdpa has been informed of the identity of several of the detainees whose names will be publicized in the coming reports.
No restrain was exercised in the arrests and there were no warrants issued for their arrests, Kurdpa has learned.
The city is in a state of abnormality; any gathering of more than a few people has been deemed illegal. The events that unfolded yesterday attracted world-wide public and media attention, and authorities are adamant to not have the events repeated.
Mahabad is the fourth largest city in Orumieh (West Azarbijan) province. It was proclaimed the capital city of the short-lived Republic of Kurdistan of 1946.
The city has been considered the hot bed of Kurdish nationalism in Eastern Kurdistan.
In 2005, the city was the scene of another unrest that quickly spread to adjacent cities and lasted for several days, following the brutal murder of a Kurdish activist at the hands of regime’s security agents.
Writing by Kurdpa Staff Writers and editing by Sharmin Hassaniani
